One of the great Mendocino producers of Pinot Noir, Goldeneye is a Duckhorn venture located in Philo, California in the heart of the Anderson Valley. Famed Domaine Serene winemaker Michael Fay was at Goldeneye before moving north and they rely on the talented Katey Larwood for winemaking, as I interviewed her last year. Katey has experience working harvests across the globe and began studying wine while attending school in Santa Barbara. Her wines have been really good since she has been at the helm.
I love the new releases which come from a more challenging vintage in the region. While the richness might not be as profound as their 2016 wines, the 2017 wines have brilliant terroir and show the great salinity from their close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Goldeneye has three estate vineyards (Confluence, Gowan Creek and The Narrows) in the Anderson Valley encompassing 200 vine acres and more than 20 Pinot Noir clones.
I thought that the 2017 Goldeneye ‘Confluence Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) was downright awesome, showing good balance, good bright red fruits and a silky mouthfeel. Learn more about these outstanding Pinot Noirs at https://www.goldeneyewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Goldeneye.
2017 Goldeneye ‘Confluence Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This takes the lead with aromas of teaberry and citrus rind with damp earth accents round out the expressive nose. The balance and purity of fruit is lovely as ripe strawberry and cran-orange flavors collide with minerals and potting soil tones. As this opens it continues to impress with its silky texture and soft mouthfeel that adds to the enjoyment. The brightness, light salinity and intensity of the wine is lovely. Fantastic in its youth, the Narrows Vineyard Pinot Noir will show well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2017 Goldeneye ‘The Narrows Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this great Anderson Valley vineyard, this shows lovely damp soil with huckleberry compote and shades of cinnamon infused red cherry aromatics that take shape in the glass. The balance of the wine is really good as medium to full-bodied red and dark fruit flavors provide a lasting effect. While slightly less complex than the 2017 ‘Confluence Vineyard’ bottling, it is downright delicious to savor in its youth. 2020-2030- 92
2017 Goldeneye ‘Split Rail Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The saline drenched red fruit aromatics immediately catch your attention. Lovely sage and peat moss tones come to round out this expressive bouquet. Beautifully textured with a touch of astringency, the bright acuity really impresses with layers of red cherry and boysenberry flavors that collide with minerals and the lighter damp soil tones on the palate. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful Pinot Noir will have another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 93